As we celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s essential to remember that priortising maternal health is crucial for every family.
Mothers who shoulder the responsibility of the child and the entire family often tend to neglect their health. It will be imperative for all the mothers to do various blood tests by prioritizing their well-being. Regular blood tests help you monitor your health and provide valuable insights into detecting any health concerns or issues that may require medical attention. Early detection minimizes any life-threatening complications and helps with prompt medical attention. Mothers, keeping health as your priority, you can set a positive example for your friends and family. Dr Rajashri Tayshete Bhasale, Consultant Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road shared 6 important blood tests that every mother should prioritise.
5 ESSENTIAL BLOOD TESTS EVERY MOTHER SHOULD CONSIDER
- Thyroid blood test: Women are at higher risk of getting detected with a thyroid disorder. Especially the mothers experiencing several symptoms like excessive sweating, sudden weight gain or weight loss, feeling tired, or frequent bowel movements. A thyroid blood test can help you measure TSH levels (thyroid-stimulating hormone), T3 levels (triiodothyronine), and T4 levels (thyroxine).
- Checking your Cholesterol levels: High cholesterol can lead to serious health issues such as heart-related diseases or stroke. Mothers with a family history of heart-related diseases, obesity, or high blood pressure are at increasing risk of developing high cholesterol levels. Hence, the cholesterol blood test helps you check your Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
- Iron levels: Iron is important for producing red blood cells, which help carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. Iron deficiency is a very common condition faced by various mothers. Mothers who often experience dizziness or weakness might have low iron levels. Low iron levels can lead to irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and pale skin. This blood test can help check your iron levels to determine if you have any iron deficiency or not.
- Blood glucose test: Having a high blood sugar can be harmful and invite a heart attack or diabetes. It is essential to monitor your blood sugar levels at home with the help of a glucometer or in clinical settings as suggested by the expert. Mothers who experience increased thirst, feeling dizzy, blurred vision, or frequent urge to pee can be at higher risk of developing high blood sugar levels. This blood test helps mothers to understand their blood sugar levels and seek timely intervention.
- Vitamin D levels: Vitamin D is necessary to maintain good bone-mineral density and boost your immunity. However, a majority of mothers suffer from vitamin D deficiency and may require additional supplements or sun exposure in the morning. It is better to take the Vitamin D3 test which helps to know the level of vitamin D in the body.
- Blood pressure screening: Certain factors such as stress, high sodium intake, lack of exercise, and family history can lead to high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure means one needs frequent monitoring and check-ups. One should get the blood pressure readings at home or by visiting the expert to bring down the numbers and keep heart attacks and strokes at bay.